Norwegian Fjords & North Cape Wonders - 12 nights, June 2013

A drive through Tromsø takes you towards the university area, where the northernmost university in the world is situated. You’ll pass the Northern Lights Planetarium, Sandnessund Bridge and the Island of Kvaløy before arriving at the polar environmental centre of Polaria.

The Polaria Centre, a fascinating building resembling huge ice blocks, shows the polar areas and the Barents region through a series of interesting exhibitions, an aquarium and a spectacular film. As you proceed along the ‘Arctic Walkway’, you’ll experience the simulated elements of Arctic nature - a snowstorm, a dozing polar bear, the tundra and the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). In the aquarium, the main attraction is the arctic bearded seals.

Returning to the city centre, you’ll cross the Tromsø Bridge, linking Troms Island with the mainland for a visit to the Arctic Cathedral.

The ultra-modern architecture of the Arctic Cathedral symbolises the Northern Lights as well as the ‘period of darkness’. The interior is dominated by the beautiful stained glass-window covering the eastern wall, picturing the Return of Christ. The Church was inaugurated in 1965 and is a typical example of a ‘boathouse-church’.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are some stairs and steps to be negotiated at the Arctic Cathedral and Polaria. Lifts are not available. The Cathedral can close at short notice for religious ceremonies, in which case only an exterior visit will be conducted. The tour involves a tunnel.

Your drive will take you through the lovely ‘Art Nouveau’ style town centre of Ålesund, along the Borgundfjord, to the old trading centre of Borgund.

Borgund’s beautiful natural surroundings are the setting for Sunnmøre Open-Air Museum. The site has an outdoor display of 50 old and distinct houses. As you stroll between the picturesque houses you’ll feel as if you have stepped back in time, and on entering the houses you’ll get a feel of how Norwegian people lived centuries ago. There is also a vast boat collection, including replicas of Viking ships, whilst the main building showcases an archaeology and culture exhibition. The museum provides a unique and fascinating insight into the life of the people who have inhabited this area for several thousand years.

On the return journey, enjoy a drive around the Ålesund’s highlights before heading up Mount Aksla for a stop to absorb the magnificent views over this lovely Art Nouveau town and its surrounding areas.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 45 minutes of walking at Sunnmøre over gravel and some uneven ground. Some of the houses have stairs and low doorways, therefore guests should take extra care on entering. Please remember to carry local currency (Norwegian Kroner) if you wish to purchase refreshments or souvenirs. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable. This tour involves a drive through one long tunnel.

Driving through the city centre, you’ll head towards Sverresli to enjoy views of the fjord and wood clad hills before reaching Bymarka. This is an area of natural landscapes with contrasting scenery and a haven for the people of Trondheim in both winter and summer months.

Your nature hike will take you through scenic forestland, passing small lakes and open landscape. The highest point is Gråkallen Hill, some 1,700 feet above sea level; from here you can enjoy a spectacular view towards the fjords. On a clear day you can sometimes see in the distance the mountain chain which forms the border between Sweden and Norway.

Following your hike, you’ll rejoin your coach for the return drive to Trondheim.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately two hours of walking over uneven ground and many steep inclines, so a good level of fitness is required. Comfortable, flat and enclosed walking shoes are essential. Please dress according to the weather. It is advisable to carry sun protection and a bottle of water. This tour is not suitable for children under eight years old.

Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Tromsø before heading towards Sommarøy Island - Summer Island. Cross the Sandnessund Bridge that connects the city of Tromsø with Kvaløy Island, and pass beautiful scenery and several cultural monuments. Reaching Sommarøy, see the beautiful white beaches and rugged mountains that surround the Island; the biggest fishing village of Tromsø with 300 inhabitants.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of this vibrant coastal community, where fishing and hunting has always been the livelihood. See the fishing boats in the pretty harbour and take in the stunning views, with the big Senja Island to the south, the coastal landscapes to the north and the endless ocean to the west. During your visit learn about life on the island, and enjoy refreshments of tea or coffee and waffles at the local restaurant.

Your return trip to Tromsø along the narrow Kattfjord will be scenic, passing the majestic Blåmann, the highest peak on Kvaløy Island.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is approximately 30 minutes of guided walking on the island, which is optional. The walking is on flat, even ground. The order of highlights may vary.

Your walking tour begins at the quayside, from where you will walk towards the city centre. Crossing Market Square with its colourful stalls, the statue of the Viking King who founded the city looks down on you from a great height. Heading up Munk Street, you will see the old, narrow lanes lined with wooden buildings, as you make your way towards Nidaros Cathedral, the largest in Scandinavia. Next to the Cathedral is the Archbishop's Palace, also dating back to the Middle Ages (entrance not included).

You will then stroll through the park leading to the River Nid and cross over the Elgeseter Bridge. The walk continues through the old part of the city called Bakklandet, where you are able to admire the many picturesque, wooden houses painted in vivid colours. Reaching the old drawbridge, painted in bright red, you head down the street following the River Nid.

From Bakklandet, the route goes through the newly-restored area of Solsiden (the sunny side) before crossing the Blomsterbrua (Flower Bridge) over the River on the way back to the ship.


This excursion will operate on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and you should dress according to the weather. This tour includes some uphill walking. It is advisable to take sun protection and a bottle of water.

Ålesund, the largest town on Norway’s northwest coast, is built on several islands stretching out into the ocean. A large part of the town was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the ‘Art Nouveau’ style which was the typical architecture of the time. Today it is a bustling town where the fish and furniture industry are the main sources of income.

Your leisurely drive will provide you with the opportunity to see the fine Art Nouveau architecture of various buildings in the town and harbour area before heading through the suburbs up to Mount Aksla. A stop will be provided at Mount Aksla viewpoint so you can admire the surrounding panorama of the ocean and the many islands in one direction and the Borgundfjord, framed by snow-capped peaks in the other direction.

This excursion will operate by coach. The majority of sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach. There are 15 steps to reach the toilets at the Mount Aksla viewpoint.

From the port, a short drive will bring you to Ullandshaug Viewpoint for magnificent views of Hafrsfjord and the surrounding area. Hafrsfjord is where the Kingdom of Norway was founded in 872 after the Viking King, Harald Hårfagre, defeated the last of the regional princes and united the 29 small kingdoms under one crown. Nearby at Møllebukta, you’ll stop to see the Three Giant Swords monument which commemorate this battle and symbolise the fight is over.

As Stavanger is considered to be the most important ‘oil city’ in Norway, no visit would be complete without visiting the entertaining state-of-the-art Norwegian Oil Museum. Its unusual architecture has already made it a main landmark in Stavanger. The museum cleverly manages to tell the story of oil and how it is created, discovered and produced, in a very interesting and informative way using audio-visual aids, models, interactive exhibits and an amusing 3D dinosaur movie. Discover how oil is used in our everyday life for more than just fuel and learn the challenges facing the North Sea Divers.

On the return journey, a stop will be made at the quaint old town of Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger). You’ll have the option to take a short guided walk along the picturesque narrow cobbled lanes and past the well preserved wooden houses as you listen to tales of the bygone ages.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The Norwegian Oil Museum is wheelchair accessible. Guests who do not wish to participate in the guided walk of Gamle Stavanger can remain on the coach.

Trondheim is one of Norway's oldest cities, founded by the Viking King, Olav Tryggvason in 997 AD, situated at the estuary of the River Nid facing the wide Trondheimsfjord.

Travel towards the busy city centre, past the market square with its statue of the Viking King and the Nidaros Cathedral and Archbishopry. This church, dating from the 12th century, is the finest and largest gothic-style church in Scandinavia. As with so many towns in Norway, disastrous fires struck Trondheim’s wooden buildings and the architect, Cicignon, reconstructed the city centre in the late 17th century. Most of the buildings from this period are still standing. Amongst others you’ll see the largest wooden building in Norway - Stiftsgaarden - used by the Royal family when they visit Trondheim.

From a viewpoint above the city you’ll have some lovely sights of the area before returning to the city via one of the many bridges over the River Nid. Admire the old drawbridge and the many colourful warehouses along it. Out in the fjord lies a former fortification on the islet Munkholmen.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach. There is a photograph stop at Nidaros Cathedral, however you can opt to remain on the coach.

As you travel out of Åndalsnes you’ll pass the villages of Isfjorden, known for its many small clothing and woodworking factories, Torvikeidet and Leirheim before reaching the ancient, medieval stave church of Rødven.

The Rødven Stave Church, now the property of the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments, dates back to 1300 and is still located on its original site. The wooden stave churches of Norway are the most famous and characteristic achievements of medieval Norwegian architecture. The distinguishing feature of their construction is the inner and outer frame of wooden columns or ‘staves’ supporting the weight of the many steep roofs one above the other. In the 14th century, it is believed that there were more than 1,000 stave churches in Norway. When the country was depopulated by plague most of them fell into decay and later were demolished because they were too small for growing congregations. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the unique architecture and atmosphere of this pretty church, which is one of only 30 surviving stave churches in Norway.

Before heading back to the port, you’ll drive up close to Trollveggen (Troll Wall), with its 3,300 foot vertical and overhanging wall it is Europe's highest perpendicular rock face.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is a walk of 50 yards from the car park to the church. Flash photography is not permitted inside the church.

This area of wild mountains and peaceful nature will give you an understanding of how the myths about trolls originated!

Your scenic drive will take you along the picturesque Borgundfjord, passing little villages with charming houses and well-kept gardens, through the valley of Valldal and up the Trollstigen mountain road. A photograph stop will be made at the summit to capture the impressive scenery.

The descent will be along Troll’s Path with its 11 hairpin bends and surrounding mountain peaks, it is one of Norway’s most dramatic and scenic roads. In the valley, a stop will be made to admire the cascading waterfall of Stigrøra, before passing through Åndalsnes to the famous Troll Wall. A stop will be made at this famous vertical mountain face, the highest in Europe, at approximately 3,280 feet high. Your journey continues along the Romsdalsfjord and over the Ørskog mountain plateau; following the fjord once more back to Ålesund.

During the day a delicious Norwegian buffet style luncheon will be served and afterwards there will be time to purchase some souvenirs.


This excursion will operate by coach. Most of the sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of a coach, with regular stops to take photographs. There is an optional walk of 138 steps to an additional viewpoint at Trollstigen. This tour involves several tunnels.This tour also operates from the port of Andalsnes.

Enjoy an orientation drive of Hamburg including many of the city sights before transferring to Lüneburg.

Lüneburg city is rich in tradition and historically connected with salt – the ‘white gold’ of the Middle Ages. The salt mines made Lüneburg a rich and powerful town and an important member of the Hanseatic League. To fully appreciate the beauty, take a tour of the Old Town on foot. The many important historical buildings testify to the prosperity of the city in the Middle Ages. Even today, salt plays an important role in Lüneburg’s status as a spa town; many illnesses are treated through salt and water therapies.

During your walk through the city and small cobbled alleyways, you will see buildings such as the historical town hall Rathaus, which was built around 1240.

Enjoy some free time, exploring the medieval, quaint town centre with its numerous shops.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Hamburg should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Hamburg excursions are available for guests visiting Hamburg as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Journey time to Luneburg is estimated at 45 - 60 minutes each way. The orientation drive will be around 45 minutes. There is approximately two hours of walking included on this tour with steps. Flat, comfortable, walking shoes are recommended. Whilst comfort stops at restaurants are usually free of charge, a donation is common. Please be aware that there is usually a charge of approximately Euro 50 cents at public facilities.

The Atlantic Sea Park is one of Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. The facility is built into the coastline and offers views of the coastal islands and the ocean. The exhibition area includes 11 large landscape aquariums, two open touch pools, a penguin park, two activity pools and several smaller aquariums. The largest tank, containing seven million pints of seawater, is the setting for the daily dive shows which can be viewed clearly through its large acrylic observation panels.

Together the aquariums provide a representative view of the underwater life which inhabits the Norwegian coast and the northern Atlantic Ocean. Species from various ocean depths are on display, including marine life from deep water habitats.


This excursion will operate by coach. Atlantic Sea Park is mostly wheelchair accessible with the exception of the amphitheatre, which has four steps to access it. There are toilets, a café and souvenir shop on site. Please remember to take local currency (Norwegian Kroner) or a credit card for any additional purchases.

Stavanger and the surrounding areas have for centuries played a leading part in Norway's development. As you approach Hafrsfjord you’ll hear how King Harald Haarfagre defeated the regional princes here in 872, thus founding the Kingdom of Norway. Nearby at Møllebukta you’ll pass the monument of three giant swords which commemorate this battle and symbolise the fight is over.

Your leisurely drive will continue along the coast of south west Norway, where you will pass the attractive 12th century Church of Sola, as it sits on the hill overlooking Sola Bay. Hear about life in Stavanger as you pass the long sandy coastal stretches of Jæren and travel by fertile farmland. As you approach Eiganes, you will travel down the narrow road with its pretty villas and past Ledaal Manor, once the home of the writer Alexander Kielland and today the King’s residence when he visits Stavanger.

Back in Stavanger, you will see the impressive medieval Cathedral, and the characteristic, colourful facades which overlook the harbour. Across the bridges towards Engøy and Buøy, situated in the fjord, there is a fascinating array of architecture – nearly all the houses are built in wood and painted in vivid colours. En route back to the ship, you will pass ‘Old Stavanger’, for a glimpse of its charming, picturesque, wooden houses which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This area is considered unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of the coach. The itinerary may operate in reverse. The tour will involve some long tunnels.

Take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløien, which at 1,000 feet offers panoramic views across Bergen and the surrounding area. The Fløien hills are a very popular recreation area with picturesque lakes and mountains, which is used by the population of Bergen all year round. Walk on one of the many gravel roads, through slightly hilly woodland and down to the little, idyllic lake called Skomakerdiket. Walking uphill you’ll join the main path, Blåmansveien, where the views get more impressive the higher you get.

In clear weather the route heads up the Rundemansveg Road, emerging into an excellent panoramic view as you reach the highest point, Rundemanen, at 1,800 feet. There are several trails and your guide will select the most suitable, dependant on the weather conditions.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by funicular and on foot. There will be approximately three hours of walking over uneven terrain with inclines and some steps. Enclosed, comfortable walking shoes and bottled water are recommended. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Long queues may be experienced at the funicular station, due to the popularity of this attraction. The views from Mount Fløien may be affected by adverse weather conditions.

Bergen is known as the city between seven mountains, and Mount Ulriken is the highest and most spectacular of these. At 2,109 feet above sea level, the view from the top offers a magnificent panorama of the city, coastal landscape, fjords and mountains.

As you take a leisurely drive through Bergen to the cable car, your guide will point out the interesting landmarks such as the Grieghallen, fish market, Bryggen and the Nordes Peninsula.

At the cable car station you will board your gondola for the seven minute ride to reach the top. As you ascend you will be able to see views of Norway's second largest city stretching out below you. On arrival at the summit of Mount Ulriken, refreshments of coffee or tea and a slice of cake will be served in the stylish new restaurant, whilst you relax and enjoy the panoramic views.


This excursion will operate by cable car and coach. There is a walk of approximately 200 yards over uneven terrain and 20 steps at the cable car station. There is standing room only in the gondolas, and each one will accommodate up to 25 people. The views may be affected by certain weather conditions, however the tour will still operate except when the cable car closes due to strong winds. There are 15 steps to access the toilets in the restaurant. If the ship is berthed at Dokken or Jekteviken Pier, the journey will include a tunnel.